4moms announced today that it’s recalling more than 2 million of its popular MamaRoo baby swings and RockaRoo rockers due to entanglement and strangulation hazards. The recall impacts consumers in both the U.S. and Canada.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the restraint straps can dangle below the MamaRoo or RockaRoo when they aren’t in use. Crawling babies who aren’t using the swing can become tangled in these straps, posing a risk of strangulation.

There have been two reports of entanglement incidents involving babies who got caught in the straps of unoccupied MamaRoo swings after crawling underneath, which tragically led to one death and one case of bruising to the neck. There have been no reports of incidents involving the RockaRoo.

The potential hazard can occur when the seat is not in use and its straps are fully extended, according to a spokesperson for 4moms.

What caregivers should do

Fortunately, there’s a way to remedy the hazard and continue using your swing or rocker. Caregivers who own an affected MamaRoo or RockaRoo can order a free strap fastener that attaches to the back of the seat and prevents straps from dangling below. Even if your little one isn’t crawling, 4moms strongly recommends ordering the strap fastener to provide the safest version of the seats. Until the strap fastener arrives, the CPSC suggests moving your MamaRoo or RockaRoo to an area where crawling infants cannot access it.

Also important to note: The new MamaRoo that was launched in mid-July 2022 (model 1046) is not included in this recall because it features a re-designed harness and strap configuration. If you ordered this model, you do not need to order a free strap fastener.

The affected MamaRoo model numbers are 4M-005, 1026 and 1037, and the affected RockaRoo model number is 4M-012. You can find the model number on the bottom of the unit for either product. (4moms has helpful diagrams for how to locate it.) According to the CPSC, the swings and rockers were sold at Buy Buy Baby and Target nationwide and online at 4moms.com and Amazon from January 2010 through August 2022 for $160 to $250. Additionally, in a joint recall with the CPSC, Health Canada recalled 60,000 MamaRoo swings and 10,000 RockaRoo rockers that were sold in Canada.

Once again, if your model was involved in the recall, you should order a free strap fastener. In the meantime, stop using the recalled MamaRoo or RockaRoo and put it in an area where your baby can’t access it. Additionally, if you own the new MamaRoo that was launched in mid-July, there is no cause for concern and you can continue to use your swing.

You can contact 4moms by phone at 877-870-7390 (8 a.m.-5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday) or by email at [email protected]. You can also find more information on 4moms’ website.